Missouri State Capitol & Museum

Description

The third Missouri State Capitol on this downtown site was modeled after the U.S. Capitol, built of Missouri-quarried marble, and completed in 1917. A tour of its grounds, interior, and on-site state history museum provides a great overview of both Missouri and Jefferson City as well as the architecture of the building itself. Interior highlights include murals—some by such significant artists as Thomas Hart Benton and Sir Frank Brangwyn—depicting state history. The grounds also feature memorials to Lewis & Clark, Missouri Law Enforcement, and Missouri Veterans.

In the first-floor Missouri State Museum, changing and permanent exhibits showcase the state’s diverse history and resources. One of the highlights is a rare collection of over 130 Civil War battle flags—at least one of which is always on display—that belonged to or were captured by Missouri units on both sides of the conflict. As you might recall, Missouri was one of the most divided states during the Civil War. It’s one of many fascinating stories that you can learn more about here. Admission to the capitol and the museum is free, and so are the 45-minute guided tours, which take place on each hour (except for noon) Monday through Saturday 9–4 and Sunday at 11 and 2.